Medications Flashcards
Diuretics Action
Eliminate excessive body fluid by increasing amount of sodium and reducing fluid in blood stream –> decreases pressure on arterial walls and reduces BP
Diuretics side effects
Increased Urination Dizziness Muscle cramps Increased Blood sugar Low blood sodium Excessive blood potassium levels Low blood potassium levels (thiazide)
Alpha Blockers action
Block effect of norepinephrine, resulting in relaxation of blood vessels which reduces BP
Alpha Blockers side effects
Nausea
Weight gain
Pounding heartbeat
Initial low BP and dizziness with positional changes
Beta blockers action
Block effects of hormone epinephrine. Heart will beat more slowly and with less force, resulting in lower BP
Beta blocker side effect
Blunt HR response with activity –> use RPE
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors
Relax blood vessels by preventing production of angiotensin II, a hormone that constricts blood vessels and raises BP; used for HTN
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors Side Effects
Dry cough
Increase blood potassium levels
Dizziness
Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers
Work by allowing blood vessels to relax and dilate, thus reducing BP
Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers side effects
Dizziness
Lightheadedness
Back Pain
Leg Pain
Calcium Channel Blockers
Prevent calcium from entering cells of heart and blood vessel walls, resulting in dilation of blood vessels and reduced BP
Calcium Channel Blockers Side effects
Dizziness Drowsiness Swelling in legs Swelling in feet Tachycardia
Renin Inhibitors
Slowing down production of renin, an enzyme produced by the kidneys that starts a chain of chemical steps that results in elevated BP –> treats HTN
Vasodilators
Act directly on arterial and venous smooth muscle to cause dilation, allowing blood to flow more freely and reducing BP
